Posted by: Coach C () on Sun Feb 29 00:31:56 2004

Coach C,
> > >
> > > Please keep me in the loop on what you find out too. Also, I would be interested in shoulder rotation speed as compared to final swing speed. Thanks, Nick
> >
> > No problem Nick!
> >
> > Coach C
>
> You bring up something I have observed in hitters (fastpitch girls softball). Some good hitters have tremendous shoulder rotation speed and others do not but still seem to hit the ball with strength. (both rotational). Any thoughts on this.

Hard to say without seeing the hitters, but I'll give my example of two hitters that vary in my mind, but are tremendously successful. A-Rod and Vladamir Guerrero. Two completely different styles, but both work above the shoulders, or should I say derive they're power from the shoulders. I think long loopy swings are derived from those that let the hands fall too far below the shoulders at initiation (drop the hands) and then in an act of compensation stop shoulder rotation so the arms can catch up. In any case, even a poor swing can produce power, but consistency needs to be the goal. A consistant bat plane in line with the shoulders plane makes for consistency in my opinion. Get the planes right and getting more power is much simplier.

Personally I like to feel my hands never get below my chest at any point during the swing, otherwise I feel too long and off plane with my shoulders. Hope that helps.

Coach C